EU Parliament shirks responsibility for climate action in future funding of Europe’s most needy regions
February 14, 2019
Brussels, for immediate release – A vote today by the Parliament on the future European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and Cohesion Funds for 2021-2027 opens the possibilities for continued funding of fossil fuels, in spite of the EU’s obligations to reduce greenhouse gases under the Paris Agreement and its net-zero emissions Long Term Strategy.
European Parliament greenlights clean cohesion policy
February 13, 2019
Today the members of the European Parliament adopted the Common Provisions Regulation, which sets the principles and common rules on how Cohesion Policy funding should be spent from 2021 to 2027. Civil society groups CEE Bankwatch Network and Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe welcome the agreed climate-friendly provisions, including the exclusion of fossil fuel investments, but they must be reflected in tomorrow’s vote on the Regional Development Fund in order to become reality.
EU funds maladministration complaint to the European Ombudsman
January 31, 2019
The matter of concern is the use of EU Cohesion funds for deterioration of the conservation and integrity of habitats and species in Kresna gorge (Bulgaria) protected by EU law and International Conventions. The EC did not prevent and ensure that the S
Case to the European Ombudsman calls out Commission for failing to protect Bulgaria’s biodiversity
January 31, 2019
Brussels / Sofia – the European Commission has been accused of failing to monitor how EU funds are being spent in Bulgaria, according to a complaint [1] filed to the European Ombudsman over the Commission’s handling of a motorway project that threatens a protected Natura 2000 site.
Future EU funds for the regions set to become climate-proof
January 22, 2019
Brussels, for immediate release – Today the European Parliament’s Committee on Regional Development (REGI) adopted the so-called Common Provisions Regulation, which sets the conditions and principles governing the funding for Cohesion Policy from 2021 to 2027. NGO groups CEE Bankwatch Network and Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe welcome the regulation, which exceeds the European Commission’s proposal by introducing new and additional safeguards against climate change.
Future EU investment package falls short of climate ambition
January 16, 2019
Strasbourg, Brussels – Today the European Parliament took a disappointing stance on climate when voting to approve the establishment of InvestEU, the EU’s financing tool to attract private investments – say NGO groups CEE Bankwatch Network, Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe, WWF European Policy Office, and Counter Balance. The approved investment package keeps the door open to further public investments in fossil fuels, which is incompatible with the requirements of the Paris Climate Agreement.
First report from Parliament on next EU budget funding for energy and transport infrastructure shows more work to be done
July 23, 2018
On 19 July, two European Parliament Committees – on Industry, Research and Energy and Transport and Tourism – delivered their first draft report [1] outlining what they would like to see in the new Connecting Europe Facility, one part of the EU budget after 2020 that Bankwatch is monitoring because CEF provides funding for key pieces of energy and transportation infrastructure across the bloc.
Post 2020 EU budget: Commission proposal promises sustainability but continues funding contradictory policies
May 2, 2018
Budapest, Brussels, Prague – Today the European Commission published its proposal for the next EU budget after 2020, the Multiannual Financial Framework. Civil society organisations within the People’s Budget campaign [1] call on Member States to translate the Commission’s pitch into the bold proposal that Europe needs for a brighter future.
Way off track in Riga, as controversial EU-funded tram project plows ahead
March 7, 2018
Business interests continue to overshadow public concerns with regards to the dubious €100-million tram project in Riga.
